If freedom of speech is absolute, how come it's not applied for private spaces and for the Internet?

Last Updated: 02.07.2025 01:09

If freedom of speech is absolute, how come it's not applied for private spaces and for the Internet?

You have freedom of speech. If I loan you my computer, I can tell you not to use it for certain things, because it’s mine, you have no right to use it, and if I give you permission to use it I can tell you what you can and can’t do with it.

You have freedom to travel. If I loan you my car, I can tell you not to take it out of town, because it’s mine, you have no right to use it, and if I give you permission to use it I can tell you what you can and can’t do with it.

Freedom of speech does not apply to:

2025 U.S. Open odds, predictions: Top picks, props, longshots and PGA golfers to fade this week - SportsLine

No freedom is absolute.

Insurrection

Child pornography

Is a computer science degree worth it in 2024?

Threats of violence

Terroristic threats

Conspiracy

Softball National Championship Celebration set for Saturday, June 7 at 6 p.m. - University of Texas Athletics - University of Texas Athletics

Fraud

If you’re wondering why free speech doesn’t apply to the internet, it’s because you have no right to use other people’s stuff for free.

False advertising

Is Apple Looking To Catch Up In AI With Big Deal? - Investor's Business Daily

Insider trading

Perjury

Revenge porn

How do you feel cockroach?

HIPAA violations

Revealing classified information

And much, much more.

How Cocaine Hijacks the Brain - Neuroscience News

Trade secrets

That’s what it is. You have no right to use other people’s stuff. If people let you use their stuff, they can tell you how you can use it, and they can tell you to stop using it any time they want.